In this episode, we talk about…

• the temptation to look for big signs from God
• how Elijah is going through a depressive episode in this passage, how that’s not often talked about, and how that contradicts what some of us our taught about faith & mental health
• the taxing demands of justice work (and how to deal with them in healthy, helpful ways)
• the importance of talking about LGBTQ people in sermons outside of ones that are about sex, gender, and relationships
• our summer fundraising campaign to support this podcast and the work of Queer Theology (queertheology.com/support)

Read the transcript (PDF)

1 Kings 19:9-14

There [Elijah] went into a cave and spent the night.

The Lord’s word came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?”

Elijah replied, “I’ve been very passionate for the Lord God of heavenly forces because the Israelites have abandoned your covenant. They have torn down your altars, and they have murdered your prophets with the sword. I’m the only one left, and now they want to take my life too!”

The Lord said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the Lord. The Lord is passing by.” A very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones before the Lord. But the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord wasn’t in the fire. After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat. He went out and stood at the cave’s entrance. A voice came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?”

He said, “I’ve been very passionate for the Lord God of heavenly forces because the Israelites have abandoned your covenant. They have torn down your altars, and they have murdered your prophets with the sword. I’m the only one left, and now they want to take my life too.”